Alexandra Gifts celebrates 15th anniversary
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Joan Ess, owner of Alexandra Gifts in the Tony Walker Center, celebrates 15 years of business in March.

Where did the past 15 years go?

Joan Ess of Williamsville spent the time creating her own gift boutique of "high quality, special items."

She celebrates the anniversary of her store, Alexandra Gifts, in March.

The first Alexandra Gifts opened in March 1993 in the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo, with the second shop opening in the Tony Walker Center in 1994.

The Hyatt shop closed in 1995, but the Williamsville shop is the oldest tenant in the Walker Center.

"The plaza was built in 1994, and we opened a week after it was complete," Ess said, adding that she had driven by the location for years, thinking what a great spot it would be for her own business.

That proved to be true, as Ess is celebrating 15 years as a gift shop owner, which she credits to many variables, including the location.

"We offer great customer service, and I have a great staff," she said of the shop's longevity.

Named after Ess' daughter, Alexandra Gifts offers unusual gifts for others or for the buyers themselves, Ess said.

"Our jewelry is our number one selling item. It's handmade, and some is local," she said.

Also growing in popularity are stationery, journals and cards. Ess mentioned that with the increasing use of e-mail, people enjoy getting an actual card or letter.

"I try to find the best of what is out there," she said about the merchandise. "I go to New York City, trying to find products you don't see everywhere."

Ess also searches through several trade magazines, looking ahead for new, unusual gift ideas.

In honor of the shop's 15th anniversary, a weeklong celebration will be held March 1-8, with refreshments and drawings held daily. On Saturday, March 8, the store will hold grand prize drawings, which includes items from restaurants in the plaza.

"I have been happy to be here in the plaza; it's a great compliment to the restaurants," she said, adding that is why the shop is open evenings. "We encourage people to shop locally."

Ess said she always wanted to open her own store and worked in retail for years before doing so.

The shop has seen changes during the past 15 years - change in location, adding another location in Ellicottville in 1998, and a change in merchandise, which is a constant.

"I always try to look ahead, to find what's special," she said.

Alexandra Gifts is located at 5110 Main St., in the Walker Center. It is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For information, visit www.alexandragifts.com or call 632-6074.